Mivan Secures £2.5m Contract to Fit Out Luxury Train

Today Mivan announced it has been awarded the £2.5m contract to fit out Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train.

Belmond Grand Hibernian will launch later this year, offering 2, 4 and 6 night itineraries from Dublin through some of the most scenic parts of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Belmond operates some of the world’s most famous trains including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Belmond Royal Scotsman. It purchased the 10 carriages and locomotive for the Grand Hibernian from Irish Rail last year.

Mivan was chosen to transform the carriages into 20 stylish en-suite cabins, two dining cars and an observation car at its world-class production facility in Antrim. The interior design of the carriages will reflect Dublin’s Georgian Architecture, with inspiration taken from the Irish landscape.

A team of 50 craftsmen from Mivan will undertake 60,000 hours of work to prepare the train for its inaugural journey from Dublin in August.

Belmond said that building the company’s 7th luxury train to exacting standards required cutting edge technology mixed with traditional skills.

“We chose to work with Mivan not only for their extensive experience but they have also shared our passion and vision for Belmond Grand Hibernian from the outset. It is very important to Belmond that we work with local experts and craftsman to create a truly authentic train that reflects the spirit of the countries through which it will travel,” said Gary Franklin, Managing Director of Belmond Trains & Cruises.

Neil Ward, CEO at Mivan said: “Mivan was awarded this contract because of our expertise and experience working with the maritime and hospitality industries, however the build of a luxury train is a historic first for both the company and Northern Ireland. Belmond Grand Hibernian will offer a wonderful experience, a way to see Ireland that rivals the great train journeys of Europe, so the fit out of the carriages must be delivered to the highest quality specifications. Mivan has a strong track record of delivering high end projects and we are delighted to be working on this prestigious contract.”

Brian McConville acquired Mivan in early 2014 and with support from Invest NI over the past two years the business has grown its workforce to 110 people.

Mr McConville said the Hibernian contract was a significant step in establishing the Mivan brand with global customers in existing and new markets.

“The Mivan brand is entering a new period of rejuvenation. Belmond Grand Hibernian is the latest in a series of enviable recent projects for the company, which have also included One Hyde Park and the Bulgari Hotel and Residences in London. Mivan has embarked on an aggressive growth and development plan and has been strengthened by the link to MJM Group. In 2014/15 the company completed £7m worth of cruise ship outfitting orders and other market sectors also performed strongly. With experienced core management teams in place and a highly skilled workforce, I have very high hopes and projections for Mivan and MJM going forward. The companies will continue to lead the way in high end luxury fit out across the hotel, luxury residential and marine markets.” Mr McConville said.